MEMORIAL 2025
This futnet event took place for the first time in early 1996. It was a spontaneous reaction to the death of two of our former teammates, Ján Dzurina and Marián Figľár, who died suddenly in the second half of 1995 within a few months of each other. The first edition of the tournament named the Memorial of Ján Dzurina and Marián Figľár, was held on 28 January in the new municipal sports hall in Michalovce, with the participation of the best Slovak players at the time (L. Ivanecký, L. Bertko, J. Žigala, P. Perun, J. Pittner). Subsequent tournaments were also held in January at various locations in Michalovce or Úbrež.
In 2003, the tournament changed its date and venue. It moved to the clay courts of the former military recreation centre at Zemplínska šírava (behind today's Thermalpark). At the end of August, there was always a nice atmosphere and enough courts to hold this sporting event, which was played in two disciplines. At first, there were triples and doubles, and since 2011, doubles and singles, as there were very few tournaments in these disciplines (most of them are in triples). Women have also been frequent participants, playing either separately or together with men. In some years, there were two categories – competitive and amateur. When another long-time Zalužice futnet player, Milan Hajduk, died in an accident in 2010, and later other teammates such as Peter Štelmak, Ján Derevjanik and Jozef Jakub passed away prematurely, only the word "Memorial" remained in the name of the event. Between 2010 and 2012, foreign participants also took part: from Ukraine came Denis Vilenkin and his teammates, and from Hungary men (Tamás Pál) as well as women (led by the world champion Boglárka Lepsényi).
And what can we say in conclusion? Thirty years in a lifetime may not be much, but thirty years of organising a single sporting event without interruption deserves admiration and recognition. Whether it has been with the participation of world champions such as Marián Žigala, Janko Brutovský, Laco Stupák, Janko Kilík, Milan Černota, Silven Gálus or the Hulín brothers, or "just" players from the region, the most important thing is that the Memorial has endured and established its own tradition. This is also thanks to people who may never have been seen directly on the court, but who have always provided for an excellent atmosphere, refreshments and the smooth running of the event. Thanks to them, we can meet, spend a nice time on and off the court and remember our friends who are already playing in futnet heaven.
The 30th edition of the Memorial will take place on Saturday, 16 August 2025, with international participation at the sports grounds of Pavol Horov Gymnasium (secondary school) in Michalovce in triples in two categories: competitive (two bounces) and amateur (three bounces). The event is organised with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.
Come and join us, we look forward to seeing you there! Long live sport and futnet in particular!
